Korea's huge win at Queen Sirikit

World No.1 Lydia Ko saved her best to last to lead New Zealand to a runner up finish in the final day of the Queen Sirikit Cup in Singapore but pre tournament favourites South Korea dominated the event, winning by a massive 25 shots.

The North Harbour teenager, who celebrated her 15th birthday on day one of the tournament, fired a four under par 68 in the final round at the Tanah Merah Country Club Garden Course to help New Zealand win the close battle for second place.

South Korea, the defending champions, trumped the rest of the field again on the final day of the 34th Queen Sirikit Cup, clinching their sixth consecutive crown in the event.

Boosted by an overnight lead of 15 strokes over the Australian team of Whitney Hillier, Brenna Elliott and Oh Su-Hyun, the Koreans continued where they had left off.

A steady showing from World No. 17 Kim Hyo-Joo (70), coupled with firm displays from team-mates Park Chae-Yoon (68) and Baek Kyu-Jung (66) ensured that the Queen Sirikit trophy would be staying in Korea for another year.

They extend their lead as the most successful team in the Queen Sirikit Cup having won a total of 15 times over the Cup’s 34-year history.

The Koreans finished with a three-day total of 413 strokes, 25 strokes ahead of runners up New Zealand (438) while Australia slipped from their overnight second position to finish two shots behind the New Zealanders in 3rd place.

New Zealand, who were fourth after the second day, moved up the standings on the strength of a stellar showing from young superstar Ko.

“I felt good playing the final round at that time of day, and just stumbled with a lone bogey," said Ko. As for Kim [the Korean winner], she really played well today, as she had the whole week. She’s really in top shape, as is the whole Korean team.”

But Korea was in a class of their own again all week in Singapore to continue a golden era for women’s amateur golf for their country. Kim Hyo Joo claimed the individual honours with a two under par 70 in the final round for a three-day total of 204.